Ja-lene Clark

I am a wife, mom, and nana living in the beautiful state of Oklahoma. On my website, I offer my musings on spirituality, creativity, writing, family, and food.

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What Is YOUR Story?

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“There is no greater agony than bearing an untold story inside you.”

― Maya Angelou

Every person has a profound story to share, often birthed through the most intense experiences.

Visionaries who have overcome extreme traumas often report that, miraculously, those experiences actually served as inspiration to create innovations or develop inventive methods for healing.

“All the best stuff I have received has come at the worst moments of my life. Time and again, I see that when life is fine, we just don’t have the motivation to move fearlessly. Shake-ups move us. Deeply seeking while in a state of sorrow brings us into surrender, and in surrender, we are open to receiving something new.” —Kimberly Marooney

As we journey from trauma to tranquility, we carry our most beloved dreams and visions of what could be. These are often activated by encounters with the divine, fearlessly transcending our limitations, or experiencing miraculous, undeniable healing. Others may look at us and have no idea of the depth of the misery we have endured and how we triumphed over adversity. We might hide our struggles well or never dare to speak of our experiences. Our trauma may have been brutal, but somehow we emerged wiser. Looking back, it may feel like those events happened to someone else or in another lifetime because we have changed so much.

On Sale January 9, 2025

Paperback, 264 pages, 6 x 9, Indexed  $19.95

Buy the Book at Amazon

Today, we share a lot about our lives through social media. Looking back at our timelines, we reminisce about family events, remember loved ones we’ve lost, and cherish other special milestones. Whether intentionally or not, we create a persona on social media representing only a part of our story. Many people tend to post in a way that either portrays them in a positive light or, on the other hand, as rebellious or unique. Truthfully, we know there is so much more to our lives than what we present online or share in casual conversations. We selectively reveal parts of ourselves to others, showing them only what we want them to see or feel safe to share.

What is your real story? Are you brave enough to share it honestly?

Perhaps a moment of synchronicity occurs to remind you of your true calling. You might find yourself inexplicably drawn to a stranger and engage in a conversation where you discuss your trauma. Bravely, you choose to be open and share your story with this complete stranger. To your surprise, your words bring them comfort and healing. You may even feel goosebumps and a sense of awe at the soul-felt connection you’ve made. I can imagine you leaving that conversation feeling inspired and encouraged to take the step of writing a book to share the valuable lessons you’ve learned, knowing that you can no longer stay silent.

The Story by Brandi Carlile

All of these lines across my face
Tell you the story of who I am
So many stories of where I’ve been
And how I got to where I am
But these stories don’t mean anything
When you’ve got no one to tell them to
It’s true… I was made for you

I climbed across the mountain tops
Swam all across the ocean blue
I crossed all the lines and I broke all the rules
But baby I broke them all for you
Oh, because even when I was flat broke
You made me feel like a million bucks
You do and I was made for you

I have helped many people share their stories. As a mentor, I’ve walked alongside visionary writers, guiding them through the spiritual and emotional challenges of writing and publishing their books. I’ve published the works of numerous visionaries and have witnessed the awe these writers experience when finally seeing the finished copy of their books. Now I am in their shoes in a state of awe! I have a copy of my very own book! What once felt surreal and unachievable is now undeniably real!

Now was my turn to make the announcement that my book launched on January 9, 2025!

Ja-lene shares the proof copy of her book with her parents

Brandi Carlile’s lyrics resonated with my soul as I finished my book, “But these stories don’t mean anything if you’ve got no one to tell them to,“ and gave me the courage to persevere through the final stages of writing and publishing. Those lyrics encouraged me to delve deep and be brutally honest about my experiences, insecurities, and what I learned over three decades during my journey from an aspiring writer to a master of publishing. My stories and insights are now part of my book, The Journey of the Visionary Writer: The Five Phases of Experiential Writing. (Click here to read The Five Phases of Experiential Writing.)

The Journey of the Visionary Writer defines for the first time the special path of visionary writing. This is a rare and potent guidebook in its description of the essential and sequential steps needed to navigate the road to publication and bring forth one’s unique message to the world.

Publisher and author Ja-lene Clark presents her own life experiences as writer, designer, and editor, providing a fascinating entry to the complex and intricate world of book publishing, including her own experiences with visionary bestsellers. She also shares both the heartfelt and harrowing events that have layered her journey to success.

Clark’s insights into the five phases of experiential writing hold the promise of life-enhancing breakthroughs for every writer. Filled with suggestions, instructions, and deep wisdom, The Journey of the Visionary Writer offers profound reflections for those of us called to the written word to help expand humanity’s potential.

—Jo Ann Deck, former Vice President of Ten Speed Press, Publisher of Celestial Arts and Crossing Press

Many writers host book signings to celebrate their publications. In Phase Five: Tranquility, I explain how life continues after publishing. It is important not to obsess over who is or isn’t reading our books; we must keep moving forward. So, instead of a traditional book signing, on January 9, 2025, I celebrated the launch of my book at the Temple of Apollo in Delphi, Greece, alongside my husband, Tom. Today, we walked the path of the Oracle and brought the proof copy of my book to this iconic, legendary location. I was in awe of the fact that I literally walked the same path that some of history’s greatest philosophers once traveled to celebrate the publication of my book. I prayed that as my book goes out into the world, it will provide direction, understanding, and encouragement to visionaries as they bravely share their stories.

Take the leap! Dare to open your heart and share your wisdom!
Start by ordering a copy of The Journey of the Visionary Writer at Amazon.com!
Buy the Book at Amazon

The Miracle of Shared Destiny

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In September 2023, Tom and I planned an unforgettable journey by train through the beauty and history of the United Kingdom.

I was incredibly excited to explore the grandeur of Scotland and had a strong feeling that being in the Highlands and visiting Rosslyn Chapel would have a profound impact on me. It felt like coming home, almost as if I were reclaiming a lost part of myself from the past.

My grandmother visited Scotland to see my Aunt Debbie when she lived in Fort William in the 1980s. My grandmother said that Scotland was the most beautiful and magical place she had ever been. As I delved into my maternal and paternal Scottish lineage, I discovered that the Elliott Clan, from my father’s side, had a tumultuous history as a fierce border clan. In contrast, my mother’s Lyon Clan was connected to a royal lineage. I was surprised to learn that Queen Elizabeth is also part of the Lyon Clan!

Tom and our group at the train station. September, 2023.

The Journey to Edinburgh

Just before we boarded, our lovely travel guide, Elizabeth, handed out our tickets and seat assignments. Tom and I were seated across from Susie and her partner, Tish. We learned that they split their time between Susie’s Hawaii home and Tish’s California home. These two ladies were avid explorers and shared stories about their travels by train in Africa.

We enjoyed our conversation, cocktails, and watching the beautiful landscapes unfold as we made our way to Edinburgh. I remember Susie asked Tom, “What are those white animals?” Puzzled, Tom replied, “Sheep?” It was hilarious! Susie genuinely did not recognize the sheep because she lived in Hawaii all of her adult life. The sheep indeed broke the ice, and Susie and Tom bonded quite a bit. They had a grounded conversation about real estate investments. I remember Tom briefly mentioning that he was experiencing an odd sense of déjà vu as if we had all been here together before.

Majestic Scottish Landscape. September, 2023.

Tish and I had some sort of cosmic connection. Surrounded by the beauty of the Scottish landscapes, we engaged in the most profound conversation about our perspectives on religion, God, and the stunning cathedrals of the United Kingdom. Toward the end of our ride, Tish and I began talking about losing our brothers. She lost her brother to cancer, and my brother died from a heart attack. I shared a link to my Precious Stones and Pearls post about my brother. That post also explored the wisdom of Hildegard Von Bingen, and because I shared some of my thoughts on Hildegard with Tish, I thought it would interest her. Our train ride was the most extraordinary time with new friends! I will never forget it.

The entire United Kingdom trip did not disappoint. From the history and busyness of London to castles in Edinburgh, the highlands of Fort William, Glasgow, Liverpool, Bath, and Stonehenge, Tom and I had the most marvelous adventure.

A Few Photos from Our Journey

What Are the Chances?

We were seated across from Susie and Tish again during our final dinner. Tish mentioned that she had read my post about Kurt, which touched her heart and made me happy. When my musings touch someone, it’s precious. Tish then shyly shared that she had written a book and had just one chapter left to write. When I asked her about the subject of her book, she revealed that it was about “Healing from breast cancer.” I was stunned. I shared with Tish that just two days after returning home from our trip, I would undergo a breast biopsy because a mass was revealed in my right breast during a diagnostic mammogram.

What are the chances of this synchronicity occurring? I was in awe and wondered if serendipity or fate brought Tish and me together at that precise moment. What are the odds that I would meet a gifted writer on a trip through the United Kingdom who would write the book I needed most at that moment in my life?

Tish sent so many encouraging messages during the tense days after my biopsy. Further treatment was needed, so I also had a lumpectomy. Gratefully, they removed the entire mass, and the pathology said it was precancerous. I would not need further treatment and only need to be monitored with breast MRIs and mammograms every six months.

Creating Miracles

Afterward, our conversations continued, and we formally started working together to finish Tish’s book and get it published. I found it incredibly serendipitous that Tish had stopped writing her book ten years before, precisely when I had stopped writing The Journey of the Visionary Writer! I shared raw, unedited portions of my book in progress with Tish, and she told me how much my writing helped her. Encouraged, I also started writing again. It was fascinating; the more elevated Tish’s writing became, the more momentum I found in completing my writing. We were supporting each other in the most extraordinary way! It was truly a miracle we had met!

I am thrilled to announce that on September 14, 2024, one year from the day Tish and I met on that train to Scotland, her beautiful book A Miracle Within You: Paddling Through Cancer was released into the world. I am so proud of Tish for her monumental accomplishment. She is a gifted writer who has bravely, with great vulnerability, shared her journey of healing from cancer. 

A Miracle Within You: Paddling Through Cancer by Tish Litchfield. Published on Amazon.com September 14, 2024

The Miracle of Shared Destiny

Scotland brought gifts to my soul and renewed my purpose. My intuition was spot on! I believe the miracle I received is shared destiny.

It is Tish’s destiny to write her book, and it is my destiny to help her complete and publish it. Our journey together as writers has been symbiotic—sometimes, I was like a bumblebee pollinating her garden of words, and sometimes, she was like a butterfly pollinating mine! What a wonder-filled garden we have created!

And it all started, symbolically speaking, by uniting in the “United” Kingdom. Yes, we are all united in God’s precious kingdom, and we need only be brave and boldly share the truth about who we are. I imagine our world would be a better place if we simply embraced working alongside the people with whom we share a destiny.

If cancer has entered your life or that of a loved one, I encourage you to visit Tish’s website or get the book at Amazon. This precious book has enriched my life, and I promise it will fill you with inspiration, grace, and hope!

Visit Tish's Website
Buy the Book at Amazon

“Therefore, encourage one another and build one another up, just as you are doing.”
–1  Thessalonians 5:11

Order at Amazon

Are YOU Destined to Become a Visionary Writer?

Ja-lene Clark’s book shines a light on the visionary writer’s journey—from the initial idea to publication. The Journey of the Visionary Writer: The Five Phases of Experiential Writing, is filled with brilliant observations, eloquent introspections and profound insights to assist visionaries as they navigate the spiritual and emotional complexities of experiential writing. Clark’s enthusiastic dedication to assisting others on their journeys is evident throughout the pages of her book. By sharing her deeply personal stories alongside historical examples, she offers a fresh, enlightening perspective on experiential writing to inspire readers to boldly share their own wisdom. Be prepared! This is not a typical how-to-write book; it is remarkably advanced, deeply healing and expansive.

Take the leap! Dare to open your heart and share your wisdom! Start by purchasing a copy of The Journey of the Visionary Writer.

Mirror Reflections

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In 1997, I attended an event in Tulsa where I heard don Miguel Ruiz speak for the first time. It was before he became a best-selling author. Council Oak could not schedule a book signing for him because no one knew who he was then.

Council Oak had just published Beyond Fear: A Toltec Guide to Freedom and Love, and Amber Allen had published The Four Agreements, but neither book had sold more than a couple thousand copies. Instead of a signing, Paulette Millichap, the publisher at Council Oak, arranged for her friends and the Council Oak employees to hear don Miguel’s teachings. We had a small gathering of less than 20 people at the home of Paulette’s friend, located close to Gilcrease Museum.

The Great Smokey Mirror

Don Miguel was a short man with a big smile, captivating eyes, and thick, gentle Spanish accent. The one thing he spoke about that caught my attention took me years to understand fully. It was the Great Smoky Mirror teaching, interpreted by don Miguel from the Toltecs. When he talked about the mirror, it made perfect sense, but it also confounded me at the same time.

In his book, The Four Agreements, he wrote: 

“This is what he discovered: Everything in existence is a manifestation of the one living being we call God. Everything is God. And he came to the conclusion that human perception is merely light perceiving light. He also saw that matter is a mirror—everything is a mirror that reflects light and creates images of that light—and the world of illusion, the Dream, is just like smoke which doesn’t allow us to see what we really are. The real us is pure love, pure light…’”

Don Miguel stated that every individual acts as a mirror for us and reflects something we need to see within ourselves. It took me six years to understand the essence of his teaching. I finally got it while I was editing and publishing The Toltec Prophecies of Don Miguel Ruiz, and I was able to apply it to my own life experiences.

Is it possible for me to believe that there are no victims in this world?

After meeting don Miguel, I realized that mirror metaphor is a universal concept that different teachers and authors reference. Some refer to it as the funhouse mirror, with the idea being that after reaching a plateau in our personal development, the funhouse mirror effects start to kick in and distort our perceptions. This effect can make things in your life appear exaggerated or distorted. For instance, with an actual funhouse mirror, people may seem closer or farther away than they actually are or appear to have two faces. However, that is just an illusion pointing us inward to a place we need to heal.

Although it seems complicated to accept, if we truly grasp this concept don Miguel was trying to express, we realize that when we take control of our lives and use our power wisely, we will no longer experience situations that make us feel helpless. By taking personal responsibility for all our life circumstances, we are no longer victims blaming others for our situations. And when we interact with others, we can remember that we each have our own individual, highly personal, great smokey mirrors to contend with that can cause confusion or division. Oddly, our reflections serve each other and can help both people grow beyond whatever is causing strife or indifference.

The Great Smokey Mirror is a challenging idea to apply to our everyday lives, especially when we witness suffering or the divisive nature of our world today. But if the world is a reflection of what is happening inside us, then we can also accept that we have the power to change our worldview, which, in turn, will forever change our perception of the world.

Pages 42-43 of the Toltec Prophecies of Don Miguel Ruiz by Mary Carol Nelson. Published when Ja-lene Clark served as Associate Publisher of Council Oak Books in 2003.

The Mirror of Self-Love

When I first left Council Oak and began to work freelance, a significant portion of my income came from conducting writer’s immersions—private, week-long writing sessions. Prior to each session, I signed a confidentiality agreement and cannot disclose the identities of the people I have worked with without permission.

I learned so much during my one-on-one sessions with writers. I realized that each of them faced unique challenges, and the focus of our work together was to help them overcome any resistance that was preventing them from effectively communicating their thoughts. Unfortunately, there is no guidebook that could have taught me how to handle this. It was a skill that I developed through experience and intuition.

During a session, I had the opportunity to work with a woman who was a singer and first-time writer. Despite being a well-traveled and fascinating person, she lacked confidence in her writing skills and struggled with self-doubt.

During our sessions, she made time to practice her music each day. She was passionate and confident while singing and performing, she was preparing for an upcoming performance, and was working on perfecting one song. I enjoyed the daily break from writing and seeing different facets of her. She was a new unconfident writer. As a singer, she loved being on stage! She was born to perform and did so amazingly. When she sang, she lit up and her confidence shined, and that was light years from the woman I had been sitting with who was hesitant about writing a sentence.

I had an idea. I asked her to start singing or speaking the text of her chapters so we could we videotape her discussing what she wanted to include in the book. This was a breakthrough! She loved being on stage and in front of the camera, so that was the place where she was most at home in her creative element. This practice of singing and being on camera helped her start to uncover her voice as a writer and build her confidence in this arena.

On the final day of our immersion, while I watched her practice the song she had practiced all week, I knew what would free her to write on her own once I left. I snuck out of the room and came back, hiding a mirror. When the pianist left, and she and I were alone, I asked her to sing the song one more time, a cappella.

I gave her the mirror and told her to sing the song while looking in the mirror and to replace the word “him” with me. The transformation was instant. I will never forget that moment. The song she had been practicing all week was from Jesus Christ Superstar. This was the song that Mary Magdalene sang about being with Jesus. It only took the first several words for her to “get it.” She sang to her own reflection the lyrics:

“I don’t know how to love ME.”

It’s true that one of the hardest things to do is self-love. But self-love brings confidence and confidence helps us believe in our own abilities and share what we have to offer with others. We live with that person who is looking back at us in the mirror every single moment. I know everything about me, and so I can’t hide from my sorrows, secrets, vulnerabilities, shame, woes, bitterness, and regrets. When we reconcile with ourselves and shine “love me” out into the universe, then our lives begin to transform. It must transform. Why? Because the things that were once reflecting back to us that were buried inside have vanished. No more smoke in the mirror, no more funhouse distortions, and new experiences abound.

Have you ever looked into your own eyes and felt love for you?

Stop for just a moment. Grab a mirror, then come back to this post and press the play button on Frank Sinatra’s song. Replace the word “you” with “me” or “I” as you hear the song. This is a simple, profound experience that will just take a moment to transform your world.

Around the world I’ve searched for ME
I traveled on when hope was gone to keep a rendezvous
I knew somewhere, sometime, somehow
I’d look at ME and I would see the smile I’m smiling now

It might have been in County Down
Or in New York, in gay Paree, or even London town
No more will I go all around the world
For I have found my world in ME

“..for God gave us a spirit NOT of fear but of power and love and self-control.”

—2 Timothy 1:7

Order at Amazon

Are YOU Destined to Become a Visionary Writer?

Ja-lene Clark’s book shines a light on the visionary writer’s journey—from the initial idea to publication. The Journey of the Visionary Writer: The Five Phases of Experiential Writing, is filled with brilliant observations, eloquent introspections and profound insights to assist visionaries as they navigate the spiritual and emotional complexities of experiential writing. Clark’s enthusiastic dedication to assisting others on their journeys is evident throughout the pages of her book. By sharing her deeply personal stories alongside historical examples, she offers a fresh, enlightening perspective on experiential writing to inspire readers to boldly share their own wisdom. Be prepared! This is not a typical how-to-write book; it is remarkably advanced, deeply healing and expansive.

Take the leap! Dare to open your heart and share your wisdom! Start by purchasing a copy of The Journey of the Visionary Writer.

Unforgettable

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Remembering Garry Clark

My brother-in-law Garry’s journey on earth is complete. Last Saturday, we gathered to celebrate his life. My heart is full and travels between beautiful memories of family times, disbelief that Lewy Body Dementia could take him so quickly, and the comfort of knowing he is home with God.

But mostly, I am so grateful for what he inspired our family to do.

For almost 30 years, our time with Garry and his sweet wife Melissa was spent at holiday family gatherings. Honestly, it was easy to take our family time for granted, as though we would always be together. That changed completely when the news came that Garry had Lewy Body Dementia. We knew the window to make memories and spend precious time together was short. Melissa and I jumped into action, planning as many family trips and get-togethers as possible while Garry could still enjoy himself! We even went to Alaska in June of 2019. Garry was healthy and aware, and we all enjoyed seeing some of God’s most majestic creations.

We are so fortunate that we had a couple of years to make the most of every moment we had left with Garry.

Not everyone gets that opportunity. The lyrics of the song Scars in Heaven say it beautifully:

   If I had only known the last time would be the last time
   I would have put off all the things I had to do
   I would have stayed a little longer, held on a little tighter
   Now what I’d give for one more day with you

Since Garry’s diagnosis and the death of my brother Kurt, I have become more aware that every moment with our loved ones is precious. Make the most of every moment. You never know when you will create the last unforgettable memory.

Download Garry’s Celebration of Life booklet or make memorial contributions to the Glenn Biggs Institute of Alzheimer’s & Neurodegenerative Diseases Research Fund on behalf of Garry Clark.

Garry's Tribute Video

Tribute video and Celebration of Life booklet created with love by Ja-lene Clark

I thank my God every time I remember you. —Philippians 1:3, NIV

Order at Amazon

Are YOU Destined to Become a Visionary Writer?

Ja-lene Clark’s book shines a light on the visionary writer’s journey—from the initial idea to publication. The Journey of the Visionary Writer: The Five Phases of Experiential Writing, is filled with brilliant observations, eloquent introspections and profound insights to assist visionaries as they navigate the spiritual and emotional complexities of experiential writing. Clark’s enthusiastic dedication to assisting others on their journeys is evident throughout the pages of her book. By sharing her deeply personal stories alongside historical examples, she offers a fresh, enlightening perspective on experiential writing to inspire readers to boldly share their own wisdom. Be prepared! This is not a typical how-to-write book; it is remarkably advanced, deeply healing and expansive.

Take the leap! Dare to open your heart and share your wisdom! Start by purchasing a copy of The Journey of the Visionary Writer.

Just Add One More Thing

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After working on a computer all day, I find that cooking is a great stress reducer. For me, cooking is a form of meditation. Concentrating on the next step takes my mind off distractions and helps me focus.

I learned how to cook from people who love me. Mom taught me about cooking for a family—things like meal planning, budgeting for food, and how to prepare holiday meals. She taught me what kinds of foods blend to make a meal: serve spaghetti with salad and bread, not mashed potatoes. Always serve chicken and dumplings with cornbread.

Dad is beloved in our family because he is a master at cooking for BIG gatherings. Dad can prepare a meal to feed 100 people and make it look simple and taste unforgettable. Dad taught me how to make more extravagant things like chocolate pie with homemade whipped cream (from scratch, no instant pudding fillings or pre-package cream), crème brûlée, zucchini bread, and Texas-style barbecue for a crowd.

Ja-lene’s Lemon Butter Seared Scallops

Cooking with Intention

While in Los Angeles, I was invited to dinner at a chic Indian restaurant by my girlfriend and the man she was dating. I agreed but felt out of my element. I was raised in the South, eating Texas cuisine, and I have little experience with Indian foods.

Once, I sampled Indian cuisine in New York City and experienced the most horrible case of heartburn afterward. So naturally, I was hesitant about eating anything on that menu. My girlfriend’s date presented himself as an expert in Indian food. With great excitement, he explained all about ayurvedic meals and how the tradition was to deliver tastes in a specific order. He said I wouldn’t suffer later if I ate things in a certain order. I found that confusing. I didn’t want to seem ignorant, but at that time, I just had not been exposed to the idea of ayurvedic meals and could barely pronounce the word, much less understand the concept.

He went on and on about how much intention and love was put into blending ingredients when cooking Ayurvedic. I listened earnestly and then asked him if he had ever eaten Southern food. He asked, “Southern India?” I giggled and said, “No! Southern, like Texan!” He admitted that he had not (actually, I recall him gasping when I clarified my question.) I compared what he had taught me about intention with Indian food to my grandmother making pickles.

Making pickles was a task that took MawMaw weeks to do and required that she tended to the pickles each day so they would be delicious—not too bitter and perfectly crisp. The pickles she made had the perfect blend of fresh dill and cucumbers grown in her garden mixed with vinegar, spices, love, and devotion.

After our dinner that night, my California friends and I agreed that whether we prepared our food Indian style or Texas style, the key was adding the right amount of devotion and love to the action of preparing food.

I can recall visions of my grandmother in the kitchen putting together meals for us, an extra-large brood of eight children, plus spouses, plus grandchildren. Most vividly, I remember her frying chicken in a cast-iron skillet and how she mixed hot bacon grease with vinegar to make the most delicious salad dressing. Today, many people would think this kind of diet is unhealthy, but when my grandmother cooked it, I think it was infused with something fed more than your stomach.

What my family taught me about cooking is precious. My memories of the times we have spent in the kitchen in conversation while preparing meals are also special.

One More Thing…

My family has most definitely influenced my cooking, but I must say that my mother-in-law Jane gave me the ultimate secret to this art. Jane (we all called her Grandmother) had six children. She subscribed to the same theory that my Dad does about how to get your grown children to visit often: “If you feed them WELL, they will come back!” As I think about food and gatherings, they bring the family together through disagreements and challenges that naturally happen within families.

My husband Tom loved his mom’s cooking, and Jane was happy to cook his favorite things. It gave both of them a great deal of pleasure. My son Jerry loved Grandmother’s yeast rolls. There was something special about those rolls. As a child, I remember Jerry happily eating 4-5 rolls and not a bite of the other dishes that made up the meal.

Jane’s rolls were made from store-bought frozen dough balls that anyone could buy at the grocery store. What made those rolls so special? They rose perfectly and uniformly, were golden brown in the right places, and soft on the bottom with just a hint of crisp outside. Yum! Jane shared her secret to great rolls with us. She put on a pair of disposable rubber gloves, put a dab of shortening in the palm of her hand, and rolled the frozen dough balls in her hands before placing them in a greased muffin tin to rise. That special technique kept the rolls from sticking to the pan, helped them to brown more evenly, and also created the touch of crispness we all loved.

Jane went on to share that her philosophy on cooking was simple: follow the recipe, then just add one more thing. I found her insight to be profound. After she shared that idea with me, I started experimenting more with food. In the past, I had followed the directions precisely, but soon after learning this wisdom, I became more experimental. If I messed something up, then we could always have a sandwich for supper. I considered what I was cooking and looked into the pantry to figure out what creative things I could add in touches or bits. As I got better at adding just one thing, soon I was adding two things, three things, and then I became so confident that I didn’t need to strictly follow recipes any longer.

Now I realize what Jane taught me was not only the secret to cooking; it was a secret to doing anything well in life.

That simple concept can be applied to anything we do. We begin whatever we are to do by following guidelines that have worked well for others. Then, we add in our own unique flavor until it belongs to us. Thus, we become experts and more excited about our own creativity. I am so thankful that my mother-in-law Jane taught me this secret.

So next time you read a recipe, think like Jane and try adding just one more thing. I know it will add wonderful things to your meals and life.

Order at Amazon

Are YOU Destined to Become a Visionary Writer?

Ja-lene Clark’s book shines a light on the visionary writer’s journey—from the initial idea to publication. The Journey of the Visionary Writer: The Five Phases of Experiential Writing, is filled with brilliant observations, eloquent introspections and profound insights to assist visionaries as they navigate the spiritual and emotional complexities of experiential writing. Clark’s enthusiastic dedication to assisting others on their journeys is evident throughout the pages of her book. By sharing her deeply personal stories alongside historical examples, she offers a fresh, enlightening perspective on experiential writing to inspire readers to boldly share their own wisdom. Be prepared! This is not a typical how-to-write book; it is remarkably advanced, deeply healing and expansive.

Take the leap! Dare to open your heart and share your wisdom! Start by purchasing a copy of The Journey of the Visionary Writer.

Learning to Fly, Again

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Do you know how the classic Jonathan Livingston Seagull made it into bookstores? I read about this in a publisher’s newsletter years ago, long before the internet. I don’t have a copy of the article, so I cannot quote the exact source, but I fondly remember reading it and being awed by each synchronicity that occurred to bring this classic book into my life.

The newsletter reported that this quirky book, written from a seagull’s perspective, was initially pitched as a children’s book. Somehow, it ended up in Eleanor Friede, a new editor’s submission pile. She wanted to make a mark in publishing, so when Eleanor went off for a weekend at the beach, she took a stack of manuscripts to read while sunning. As Eleanor read Bach’s manuscript, the setting was perfect: on the beach with the gulls dancing in the air all around her. In that magical setting, she had an “ah-ha!” moment and realized that the book had to be a novella for adults. Eleanor’s instincts said that the book would die if it went into the bookstore’s children’s section.

“I think it has a chance of growing into a long-lasting standard book for readers of all ages,” she wrote in a memo to senior editors. And she was right! That little book of profound wisdom has inspired millions of readers worldwide.

“Inevitably, the soaring seagull hovered over her career right to the end, but Ms. Friede did not seem to mind. “You know, I am very fond of the little creature,” she told The New York Times in 1981. “I have done and am doing other things. It’s really O.K. to be the seagull lady.” Publisher’s Weekly, July 2008, Eleanor Friede, 87, Is Dead; Edited 1970 Fable ‘Seagull’

The way Jonathan Livingston Seagull made it into print is like a fairytale for writers; Bach wrote from his heart, and Eleanor followed her intuition and stuck with her gut instincts to publish it. But I wonder, why did Bach write this book? What inspired him? How did he become such a master of the parable? Why has his writing touched so many people?

I don’t know what motivated Richard Bach or what he hoped his books would do; I can only become aware of why writing is important to me.

Losing my brother Kurt and my uncle David in 2020, along with all the other craziness, has made me feel hopeless, overwhelmed, and heartsick. My grief, combined with all the heaviness in the news and on social media, had left me drowning in negativity. But now, I am making a deliberate choice to use creativity to liberate my soul. Writing about my family or what inspires me has helped some of the darkness lift off my soul and allowed me to see the way to fly once again.

“Don’t believe what your eyes are telling you. All they show is limitation. Look with your understanding. Find out what you already know, and you will see the way to fly.”

—Jonathan Livingston Seagull, Richard Bach

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